If you’re looking for plumper and more kissable lips, lip fillers are a fast and minimally invasive way to achieve the beautiful pout of your dreams. Using synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in our bodies, these injections can instantly augment the volume of your lips for six to eight months.
All it takes is a few minutes at most—perfect for those seeking an effortless makeover that’ll last you until the next round of treatments. After your treatment, you can expect some minor swelling, tenderness, and bruising.
Fortunately, the aftercare is straightforward—adhere to a few simple rules! This guide explores the most beneficial lip filler aftercare tips that should help ensure smooth sailing following your procedure.
Lip Filler Aftercare Tips for Better Outcomes
Follow this advice for optimal post-care to help the body recover quickly and effectively after lip fillers. You can reduce or even avoid potential side effects with proper care and attention while accelerating the healing process.
1. Refrain from Vigorous Exercise for 48 Hours
Physical exertion causes a rise in the heart rate and blood circulation, as well as possible edema and bruising. For 24-48 hours following the treatment, avoid running, swimming, and other intense activities.
2. Consult Your Doctor About Pain Medication
If you experience discomfort in the days following your treatment, it is acceptable to take pain medication; however, please consult with a physician first, as some medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, might thin the blood and worsen the discomfort associated with your lip fillers.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
To avoid excessive swelling, it’s best to abstain from high-heat environments like steam rooms, saunas, and strenuous workouts for a minimum of two days. The heat can cause inflammation which could result in exacerbated swelling.
4. Avoid Flights
If you are dealing with swelling or bruising, it is best to avoid air travel for at least one week to prevent further aggravation.
5. Avoid Laser Procedures
Postpone laser treatments for at least two weeks after filler injections to evade further complications. Lasers generate large amounts of heat, which could cause the fillers to break down and dissolve faster than desired. Thus, it’s best to avoid any laser treatment immediately following a filler injection session for optimal results.
6. Avoid Drinking Alcohol
To minimize the risk of swelling, bruising, and other post-surgical complications, it is essential to stay away from alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your surgery. By abstaining from drinking before and after your procedure, you are preventing the dilation of blood vessels that commonly occurs with consuming alcohol.
7. Be Gentle to Yourself
Don’t be alarmed if your skin appears swollen, bruised, or numb shortly after lip injections—these are all typical aspects of the healing process that will dissipate with time. It is common to experience irritation and discomfort in this period; however, these feelings won’t last forever.
After the initial swelling fades away, you’ll be able to see your permanent results. To achieve maximum satisfaction with this procedure, remain patient and trust in the process. If you find they’re larger than expected at first glance, don’t worry; once any inflammation has subsided, they will shrink back to their desired size.
If you ever need a little extra volume or definition, book an appointment for a quick touch-up session.
8. Smoking
Cigarette smoke can cause vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the lips. To ensure optimal results after a lip injection, it is typically recommended that smoking cessation be practiced for at least seven days post-treatment.
9. Facial Massage
When your face looks swollen, you may think a facial massage or lymphatic drainage is the best choice. However, it’s not recommended to do this for at least two weeks; instead, aim to rest your skin.
10. Don’t Use Cosmetics Too Soon
To ensure the safety of your lips, wait at least 24 hours before applying any lip makeup. Using old or unsealed lipstick on freshly injected lips is strictly forbidden due to the risk of infection. Furthermore, take care not to apply too much force while you put on lip products, as this could cause damage.
11. Exfoliating
Take extra care of your lips for the next 24 hours. Do not use any exfoliating products or scrub brushes on your face and lips following treatment.
How to Improve Recovery Time After Lip Fillers
To ensure your body can heal and integrate the lip fillers properly, there are a few simple steps you can take. These are:
1. Drink Water
Water is essential to taking care of your lips after getting fillers, so stay hydrated with plenty of simple fluids. It will help you recover as the body interprets filler injection as a foreign object and needs aid to heal. Additionally, eating fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for recovery too.
2. Be Cautious with Your Food
The numbing sensation may last for hours when an anesthetic cream is used before you receive your lip injection. Without feeling any activity in or around your lips, there’s a risk of being unaware of potential dangers—like accidentally consuming something hot without realizing its temperature and thus burning yourself, as well as unknowingly biting down on them hard enough to cause bruising. Be mindful when eating post-injection treatment, and choose foods wisely.
3. Sleep Elevated
To impede any build-up of blood in the afflicted area, prop up your head with an extra pillow while sleeping.
4. Avoid Utilizing Straws
To ensure the integrity of your lip filler, it is highly recommended that you forgo using a straw within 48 hours after injection. This precautionary measure prevents inadvertent movement or pressure on the area, which could damage the consistency of your fillers’ results.
Potential Side Effects
Before starting any new treatment, it is essential to know that moderate swelling and bruises might develop. Usually, they will disappear after a few days; other side effects like redness or discomfort may persist.
Although swelling, bruising, and peeling are rare side effects of treatment, they should still be taken seriously. If you experience any severe reactions or signs of infection, such as cold sores—promptly consult your provider to ensure the best results. A follow-up appointment two weeks later may also be necessary to assess if any adjustments need to be made.
Final Words
Get the fuller lips you desire with dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid. The injection process is fast, non-invasive, and has a prompt recovery time; however, select an experienced board-certified surgeon or dermatologist for the procedure.
If you’d like to be well-informed before scheduling a consultation for lip fillers, this guide from an accredited plastic surgeon is the perfect starting point. It answers some of the most frequently asked questions about lip filler treatments and costs so that you have all the facts before making any decisions.
Having lip fillers is a great way to redefine and enhance natural features. However, there are a few things you should take into consideration before getting the treatment and aftercare steps that must be taken to ensure the best results.
It’s essential to be aware of both potential risks, side effects, and necessary precautions: drinking plenty of water, sleeping with your head elevated, avoiding straws, and eating cautiously.
By taking these steps seriously and following the instructions given by your provider—you can improve your recovery time after lip fillers. Be sure to make all follow-up appointments necessary for assessing any adjustments that need to be made. With proper care, you can enjoy beautiful and voluminous lips for months to come.
